New Rangers chief Walter Smith is keen to add a Scottish base to his side at Ibrox and having already landed Everton veteran David Weir, has now turned to McCulloch.

The versatile performer, who can operate both in midfield and as a striker, has established himself as a solid Premiership player over the past two seasons and it is such assured displays which have attracted Rangers.

However, it would appear Smith will have to up his bid considerably&nbsp;if he is to land a player who cost Wigan &pound;700,000, just &pound;50,000 less than Rangers are currently offering, when he arrived at The JJB three years ago.

Jewell was less than enamoured with this initial approach and with McCulloch now a full Scotland international, it seems likely further bids could well fall on deaf ears.

"Rangers made an approach for Lee McCulloch, but the offer they made can only be described as derisory, in fact, it's insulting," Jewell told the Daily Mirror.

"They offered us &pound;750,000. He's a player we paid &pound;700,000 for when we were in the 'old' Third Division.

"Since then he's gone on to be a Championship player, a Premiership player and a full international."